Two idols of Shri Chandrasekarar and Shri Ganapati, along with five metallic plaques, were unearthed in the ‘prakaram’ of the Parthasarathy shrine at the Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam on Tuesday.
They were found during the renovation work under way at the temple.
The Chandrasekarar idol measures 25 inches in height and the Ganapati idol 17.5 inches. Both have four arms each, and are mounted on ‘peetams’ (pedestals). The Chandrasekarar idol is on a circular ‘peetam’ and Lord Ganapathy on a lotus-shaped ‘peetam.’ They could have been used as processional deities as they have been fitted with rod-like structures for tying the ropes at the front and rear sides. Temple authorities said the idols could have been kept at the Srirangam temple for safe custody.
A ‘mazhu’ (axe) is found in the upper right arm of Shri Chandrasekarar and a deer in the left upper arm. The lower right arm is in ‘abhayahastham’ posture. The Ganapati has an elongated trunk, up to the left arm.
Work on the renovation of the temple is currently under way. The idols were found when the masons were clearing the earth, according to temple sources.
The idols, to be inspected by experts, would be kept at the temple museum. The details in the plaque would also be studied, the sources said.
Source : The Hindu
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